Madonna school 'in political battle'

WENN

The school that Madonna is having built in Malawi has been entangled in a political conflict.

The 'Don't Tell Me' singer recently attended the start of construction of the all-girls academy in the region.

African officials have now threatened to arrest villagers who are protesting the multi-million dollar facility, Contactmusic reports.

Approximately 140 local residents have demanded more money for the land, which the government has leased to the popstar's Raising Malawi charity for $13.5m (£9m) over the next 99 years.

Authorities reportedly failed to reach an agreement with representatives from the surrounding area on Thursday, after attempting to find a resolution regarding the monetary dispute.

"If we cannot agree on this and if you cannot understand that this is government land, then I will have no choice but tell police to arrest you people for blocking development work on the site," Lilongwe district commissioner Charles Kalemba warned.

Construction of the school, which is to provide education for 200 impoverished girls in the capital city, is expected to be completed in 2011.

Madonna, 51, arrived earlier in the southern African country with her two adopted children David Banda and Mercy James.